A Tender Tennessee Winter

By Kellie Walton 

When you think of Tennessee, you may think of country music, rolling hills, charming small towns, and plenty of whiskey. And, well, you’d be correct. From east to west, Tennessee exudes beauty and charm through its landscapes, towns, and people. Whether you’re planning a visit in the springtime to see stunning blooms, in the summer to soak up the sunshine, the fall to peep leaves, or the winter to warm up over a glass of the good stuff, Tennessee has plenty to offer for every type of traveler.  

This winter, here are six of the best ways to spend the season in Tennessee.  

Wander Around Downtown Gatlinburg 

One of the state’s most popular destinations, Gatlinburg has been delighting travelers young and old for decades. The downtown district brings a slice of alpine living to the Smoky Mountains, with rows of adorable shops, restaurants serving up hearty fare, cozy cabins and chalets nearby, and towering mountains surrounding it all.  

Shopping is aplenty in downtown Gatlinburg, with nine total shopping malls in the area. The Village Shops are extra charming, providing a perfect opportunity to warm up and grab a souvenir. Browse the Candle Cottage to bring home a nostalgic scent, Toy Crazy to grab a gift for a little one, or stock up on spices at the Spice and Tea Exchange. After an afternoon spent strolling the shops, warm up with a drink and a southern meal at any of the area’s excellent dining options.  

Looking for more entertainment? Head to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, or Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. For a dose of adventure, take to the skies at the Gatlinburg Sky Lift Park, which features a scenic chairlift that drops you off in front of breathtaking mountain views (even better in the winter when trees are bare!). 
downtowngatlinburg.com/  
 

Play in the Snow at Ober Gatlinburg 

While in Gatlinburg, a trip to Ober Gatlinburg is a must. The popular ski resort is located just beyond the downtown village, and offers tons of activities year-round. Of course, winter is when Ober sees its prime as one of the top ski resorts in the south. With varying difficulty, Ober houses multiple runs for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, and offers lessons with trained instructors and equipment available for rent.  

For those that prefer a less extreme day on the slopes, Ober also offers snow tubing at a mountainside park, indoor ice skating (open year-round!) and a plethora of rides. To access the park, hop aboard the scenic aerial tramway which whisks visitors up the mountain, offering beautiful views along the way. Continue the journey up, up, and away by strapping into the scenic chairlift that runs nearly 800 feet in elevation.  
obergatlinburg.com/  

Explore Pigeon Forge 

A quick journey west will bring you from Gatlinburg to the neighboring town of Pigeon Forge, a noteworthy spot for winter travelers. Bundle up and head to Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, which boasts festive decorations during the holiday season and into the mid-winter months. The park offers a special winter music series, hiking trails, and plenty of adventurous options through the end of January.  

Also make plans to visit The Island in Pigeon Forge, an entertainment destination packed with shopping, restaurants, and attractions. The family fun center houses a 200-foot observation wheel, an impressive fountain show, more than 40 retail stores, nearly 20 restaurants, and two Margaritaville hotels onsite.  

The whole town is illuminated with Winterfest lights throughout the season, adding to the city’s coziness and charm. While a drive is stunning, park the car and set out on a woodsy hike at any number of trails around town, or make plans to visit indoor attractions like the interactive science museum, WonderWorks, the Titanic Museum, and the Hollywood Wax Museum.  
www.mypigeonforge.com/  

Get Chilly in Music City 

Nashville, best known as Music City, is just as rowdy a destination in the winter as it is in warmer months. Logging chilly temperatures and the occasional snowfall (and a few ice storms in recent years), a trip to Nashville is a perfect way to boot, scoot, and boogie right through the winter season. Spend your days exploring a number of indoor attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Frist Art Museum, or the National Museum of African American Music, or opt for backstage tours of renowned venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium.  

At night, you’re sure to warm up inside Broadway’s infinite honky tonk bars, which are eternally packed with boot-clad tourists sipping whiskey and beer. If a more subdued evening is preferred, check the events taking place around town. Sports fan? The Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators home games are played in the heart of the city. Foodie? Nashville’s scene has seen impressive growth in recent years, offering everything from steakhouses to seafood and good ‘ole home cooking. Interested in the Arts? Catch a play or musical at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, which is offering an incredibly impressive lineup for the 2024 season that includes Wicked, Beetlejuice, Annie, The Color Purple, and more.  
www.visitmusiccity.com/  

Warm Up at Uncle Nearest Distillery 

We all know that Tennessee whiskey is a time-honored tradition, and while your mind may go directly to the famed Jack Daniel’s, its newest neighbor is a worthwhile detour on your way to Lynchburg. Located in Shelbyville, Uncle Nearest Distillery is impressive in many ways, the spirits are excellent, the grounds are stunning, the restaurant holds a Guinness World Record, and its entire history may shock you. The distillery honors the legacy of Nearest Green, an enslaved man that distilled whiskey on the farm where an orphaned Jack Daniel was raised. Jack took special interest in the process, and the pair struck up a friendship that would go down in history books… many years later.  

Jack went on to open Jack Daniel Distillery with Nearest as his first Master Distiller, but that wouldn’t be noted in history books until 2016. Now, the Uncle Nearest brand pays homage to that lost legacy with Green family descendants at the helm. Book a tasting, then stay for a bite inside the onsite restaurant, Humble Baron, home to the world’s longest bar (518 feet, to be exact).  
unclenearest.com/  

Go Winter Walking in Memphis 

Swap country music for the blues as you make your way to Memphis, a charming and historic city with much to offer in the winter months. Indoor activities are plentiful, from the iconic Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studio, Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and more. The NBA season runs through April, so check the schedule and catch a Memphis Grizzlies home game at FedEx Forum if they’re in town.  

If the weather warms up, stroll down the iconic Beale Street, stopping indoors for a bourbon-forward beverage and a live blues band. Stop inside the Peabody Hotel, a Memphis Institution, for a bite at the onsite French and Italian eateries, enjoy an afternoon English tea service, or grab a drink in the corner bar before watching the iconic duck march at 5 p.m. For added animal sightings, take a trip to the impressive Memphis Zoo (which lights up in a festive display throughout the holiday season).  
www.memphistravel.com/